Much-loved World Cup goalkeeper, 38, scores penalty to win title...

Much-loved World Cup goalkeeper, 38, scores penalty to win title in final season after 14 years with European giants

Published on May 19, 2025 at 06:53 AM

GALATASARAY goalkeeper Fernando Muslera scored the winner that confirmed the Turkish title for his beloved team on his final season with the club.

, 38, is set to call time on his 14-year spell with Galata in June when his contract runs out.

ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - MAY 18: Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera takes a penalty kick during the Turkish Super Lig week 36 football match between Galatasaray and Bellona Kayserispor at RAMS Park in Istanbul, Turkiye, on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Abdulhamid Hosbas/Anadolu via Getty Images) — Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera scored a penalty against Kayserispor

ISTANBUL, TURKIYE- MAY 18: Goal of Fernando Muslera of Galatasaray during the match between Galatasaray and Kayserispor in Rams Park Stadium on May 18, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Huseyin Yavuz/dia images via Getty Images) — Muslera’s goal confirmed Galatasaray’s 25th league title

epa12114431 Galatasaray's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring the 3-0 goal from the penalty spot during the Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Galatasaray and Kayserispor in Istanbul, Turkey, 18 May 2025. EPA/ERDEM SAHIN — Muslera scored on his final season with Galatasaray, where he spent 14 years

And the legendary keeper signed off in style as he sealed the Turkish Super Lig giants’ 25th title on Sunday.

hosted Kayserispor at the RAMS Park in a game that Okan Buruk’s side had to win to clinch first place.

The Turkish giants enjoyed a dream start in the first half with Napoli loanee ‘s opener on 26 minutes and BarÃ„±s Alper YÃ„±lmaz’s goal just three minutes later.

Then the hosts won a penalty in the 89th minute and a decision was made to pay tribute to fan favourite Muslera.

The ex- international stepped up to take the spot-kick with the home fans cheering him on.

The ex-Lazio star then barely beat Kayserispor goalkeeper Bilal BayazÃ„±t, who correctly lunged to his bottom left corner but failed to hold on to the ball.

That sparked passionate celebrations as even Galatasaray’s subs stormed the pitch to celebrate with the legendary shot-stopper.

Buruk’s men are now mathematically champions after leaving ‘s Fenerbahce eight points behind with two matches to go.

Muslera joined Galatasaray from Lazio in 2011 and went on to amass a total of 550 appearances.

The Uruguayan won eight league titles and five Turkish Cups with the Istanbul outfit.

The keeper also stood out for his national team during that time as he won the 2011 Copa America and competed in four .

That also wasn’t his first goal for Galatasaray as he also scored another penalty in 2012 against Manisaspor in the final game of his debut season at the club.